US tariffs by country on Aug 1 2025
- Madni Laghari
- Jul 15
- 7 min read
Major U.S. tariff changes are coming August 1. Discover what they mean for importers, customs compliance, and the future of global trade.
As customs professionals, compliance officers, and international traders, staying ahead of U.S. Customs, Import, and Trade Compliance changes is non-negotiable. The recent announcement of new U.S. reciprocal tariff rates, effective August 1, 2025, is already sending shockwaves across the industry.
This move by the White House aims to rebalance global trade and place fairness and reciprocity at the heart of U.S. import regulations. But what does this mean for you, your business, and your clients? Let’s unpack these latest changes, understand the practical impact, and see what action you should take now.
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Key Questions Covered in This Blog
What are the key changes to the U.S. reciprocal tariff rates coming August 1, 2025? What does the U.S. Executive Order say?
What does the guidance of CBP say?
Which countries will see their tariffs decrease, increase, or remain unchanged?
How will these tariff changes affect customs compliance, importers, and exporters in the U.S. and globally?
What practical steps should you take right now to stay compliant and protect your business?
What further changes could be on the horizon, and how can you stay prepared?
Abbreviations Used In This Blog
CBP: U.S. Customs and Border Protection
EO: Executive Order
USA: United States of America
BRICs: Brazil, Russia, India, China (large emerging economies often referenced in trade discussions)
“Trade policy is never static. The only constant is change—especially for those of us committed to compliance and success in global customs.” Arne Mielken, Managing Director, Customs Manager
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What are the key changes to the U.S. reciprocal tariff rates coming August 1, 2025?
President Trump signed an executive order on July 7, 2025, extending the suspension of his reciprocal tariff regime—initially set to expire on July 9—until 12:01 a.m. EDT on August 1, 2025. This means that for most trading partners, the planned high country-specific tariffs will remain temporarily replaced by a 10% baseline tariff.
The extension covers tariff headings outlined in HTSUS, while maintaining China's separate tariff suspension under a different order. The government has also begun notifying over a dozen countries of the new 25–50% tariff rates that will take effect on August 1 unless new trade deals are reached. The move aims to pressure partners into negotiations without triggering immediate higher tariffs.
See Executive Order
On August 1, 2025, the U.S. is rolling out a revised set of reciprocal tariff rates under the latest Executive Order from the President. This shift keeps the 10% flat tariff as a baseline but introduces adjustments country-by-country—sometimes up, sometimes down. For the trade compliance community, this signals a new era of import regulations with immediate operational consequences.
This time, the adjustments are not just cosmetic:
Letters sent to U.S. trading partners outline their new reciprocal tariff rates. For some, these rates represent significant decreases—Cambodia and Laos, for example, will benefit from cuts up to 13% below the “Liberation Day” baseline.
For others, like Japan and Malaysia, the rates will be marginally higher or remain unchanged, all depending on recent negotiation outcomes. However, none of these numbers are final—negotiations are continuing, and more changes may come before the August 1 deadline.
What does the guidance of CBP say?
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued guidance (CSMS #65573545) following President Trump’s Executive Order of July 7, 2025, which extends the current 10% blanket tariff (HTSUS 9903.01.25) until August 1, 2025, for most countries—excluding China, Hong Kong, and Macau, which remain under a separate extension until August 12, 2025.
Until those dates:
Most imports will continue to be charged 10% extra duty under HTSUS 9903.01.25.
Country-specific higher tariffs remain suspended for now.
For China (incl. Hong Kong & Macau), the same 10% rate applies under the same heading, unless exemptions apply under headings 9903.01.30–.34.
Related messages: CSMS
Which countries will see their tariffs decrease, increase, or remain unchanged?
Most letters sent to trading partners have been made public:
Trump Blanket Tariff Rates by Country (Effective 1 August 2025)
Country / Region | Tariff Rate |
Canada | 35 % (TIME) |
Mexico | 30 % |
European Union | 30 % |
Brazil | 50 % |
Japan | 25 % |
South Korea | 25 % |
Philippines | 20 % |
Brunei | 25 % |
Tunisia | 25 % |
Malaysia | 25 % |
Moldova | 25 % |
Laos | 40 % |
Myanmar (Burma) | 40 % |
Thailand | 36 % |
Cambodia | 36 % |
Bangladesh | 35 % |
Serbia | 35 % |
Bosnia & Herzegovina | 30 % |
Sri Lanka | 30 % |
South Africa | 30 % |
Algeria | 30 % |
Iraq | 30 % |
Libya | 30 % |
Indonesia | 32 % |
All other non‑exempt countries | 10 % baseline |
Key Points
Applies to all goods (blanket tariffs), separate from existing sectoral tariffs.
Transshipments: Goods routed through other countries to avoid tariffs will be hit with the higher rate.
Retaliation: Any retaliatory tariffs will be met with an equal, additional tariff on top.
Effective Date: 1 August 2025
Origin matters: Customs origin rules are now critical for compliance and cost control.
These tariffs represent a major, unprecedented shift in U.S. trade policy.
Further letters and updates are expected for additional countries, including the EU.
These numbers come from direct “tariff letters” sent to governments, not yet formalized in Executive Orders.
Let’s dive deeper:
The Administration’s letters reveal a patchwork of outcomes. Countries like Cambodia and Laos are set for tariff relief, with rates dropping as much as 13% below previous levels. This could make their goods more competitive for U.S. buyers and reduce landed costs for importers.
Countries such as Japan and Malaysia face slight increases or status quo tariffs, reflecting complex diplomatic negotiations and recent trade agreements. Other countries may find their previously announced rates from April altered again before August 1—reminding us that in international trade, nothing is ever truly locked in until the goods cross the border.
The possibility of additional tariffs on BRICs countries, floated by the President in news reports, further complicates the picture. While not yet in any official Executive Order, these proposals could be used as negotiating leverage in the weeks ahead.
This unpredictability means that importers, customs consultants, and compliance officers must track updates daily. One missed announcement could mean thousands of dollars in extra duties—or missed opportunities for savings.
How will these tariff changes affect customs compliance, importers, and exporters in the U.S. and globally?
The implications are vast. Customs compliance now requires up-to-the-minute awareness of evolving tariff schedules, close reading of CBP guidance, and nimble updates to import documentation and supply chain planning. Importers need to review every shipment for correct tariff classification, calculate landed costs based on the new rates, and consider whether their sourcing strategies should change.
For exporters and customs consultants, advising clients on risk mitigation and compliance best practices is more critical than ever. Even minor shifts in tariff rates can tilt the scales on price competitiveness, profit margins, and customer relationships. The Administration’s focus on “reciprocity” and “fairness” means you must be proactive, not reactive, in managing compliance risks.
What practical steps should you take right now to stay compliant and protect your business?
First, review your supply chains and identify shipments originating in countries with changing rates. Update your landed cost calculations for orders arriving after August 1. Check the latest guidance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), especially any exceptions or compliance nuances for specific products.
Second, communicate with your suppliers and logistics partners to confirm their awareness of the new rates. Documentation errors or outdated invoices can trigger costly delays or enforcement actions at the border.
Third, if you use customs brokers or trade compliance consultants, ensure they are briefed on these changes and ready to update your systems and filings. This is not a drill—failure to comply could mean penalties or shipment holds.
Finally, sign up for real-time updates from trusted sources. The Customs Watch USA and our free newsletter offer the latest compliance tips, regulatory changes, and expert advice. Don’t get left behind as tariff negotiations evolve—remember, today’s announcement could change again tomorrow.
What further changes could be on the horizon, and how can you stay prepared?
This story isn’t over. The White House and President Trump have signaled that additional changes are likely, especially as negotiations continue with major trading partners and new strategies emerge for tackling the U.S. trade deficit.
Expect more tariff penalties, “retaliatory” moves by other countries, and perhaps new exceptions for strategic goods. As the headlines keep shifting, your best defense is a solid offense: real-time intelligence, expert advice, and flexible compliance processes.
Emotional trigger: Change can be unsettling, but it’s also an opportunity. If you stay ahead, these shake-ups can become your competitive edge. Picture your business as a ship: with the right navigational tools, you won’t just weather the storm—you’ll reach port faster than your competitors.
Arne’s Takeaway
In times of rapid change, knowledge is power—and speed is a competitive advantage. Don’t wait for the final EO to drop before acting. Start updating your compliance procedures, strengthen your connections with customs consultants, and subscribe to trusted news sources. Your future profits (and your sanity) may depend on it.
Expert Recommendations
Monitor U.S. tariff rate updates daily, especially leading up to August 1, 2025.
Conduct regular compliance checks on all imports, using updated rates.
Engage a customs consultant or compliance expert if you’re uncertain about your obligations.
Sign up for The Customs Watch USA and our newsletter for timely, actionable insights.
Stay agile—adjust sourcing and pricing strategies as soon as new rates are confirmed.
Disclaimer:
This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Consult a qualified customs or legal professional regarding your specific situation and compliance needs.
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